THINK Gas: Pioneering Clean Energy and Environmental Sustainability in India – Key Milestones, Customer-Centric Strategies, and Global Best Practices
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Sandeep Trehan, President – Marketing and Business Development, THINK Gas.
Q1) Could you share the key milestones that THINK Gas has achieved on its journey to establish itself as an environmentally conscious company focusing on providing clean fuel across various states in India?
Since 2018, THINK Gas has evolved into an eco-conscious company focused on providing clean fuel solutions in India. Here are key milestones:
Geographical Expansion: THINK Gas secured four vital regions through transparent bidding with PNBRB in 2018. In 2019, we acquired assets in Baghpat. In the 11th round, we gained Kangra and Chamba areas. We now operate in seven regions across five states, covering 13 districts and impacting around 18 million residents over 48,000 square kilometers.
Mission Beyond Gas Distribution: Our mission extends beyond distributing gas. We engage individuals across sectors to influence their energy choices.
Infrastructure Development: We’ve invested in infrastructure, laying 3,000 km of pipelines, connecting 200+ industrial and commercial customers.
Household Connections: We’ve reached nearly 90,000 households, with 30,000 regular customers using gas for daily needs.
CNG Stations: We’ve established 100+ CNG stations, promoting clean transportation.
LNG Dispensing Facility: Despite COVID-19 challenges, we commissioned an LNG facility in Bhopal, making us the sole LNG supplier for transport in the city.
Trunk Pipeline Project: Completed a 170-km pipeline to ensure clean fuel supply to Bhopal.
These milestones reflect our journey since 2018, thanks to our dedicated team and innovative solutions. We’re committed to promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability.
Q2) How does THINK Gas prioritize customer satisfaction and improve the overall customer experience in the competitive city gas distribution market? What strategies and technologies are you using?
At THINK Gas, our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction in the competitive city gas distribution market is driven by customer engagement, practical solutions, and innovative technologies. We prioritize customer satisfaction through:
Customer-Centric Engagement: We engage with customers personally to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.
Practical Solutions: Our efforts have led to transformations like transitioning industries to gas-fired furnaces, improving air quality, and enhancing product quality.
Success Stories: Switching to CNG-powered autos increased drivers’ earnings, improving their lives and inspiring others to adopt cleaner energy sources.
Industry Impact: THINK Gas has positively influenced sectors like food and steel, boosting product quality and revenue.
Continuous Innovation: We invest in infrastructure, ensuring a reliable supply of clean fuel to customers through CNG and LNG facilities.
Community Endorsement: Satisfied customers become advocates, expanding our business organically.
Convenience and Efficiency: Our continuous gas supply eliminates cylinder storage, improving kitchen efficiency.
Transitional Fuel: Natural gas is crucial today in various sectors, offering a cleaner and sustainable energy source.
Tagline: “Khul k Saans Lo” (Breathe Freely) reflects our commitment to providing a cleaner and better life through natural gas.
Q3) Can you provide examples of the global best practices THINK Gas is implementing in City Gas Distribution and how they contribute to company growth and environmental sustainability?
THINK Gas is proud to implement global best practices in City Gas Distribution (CGD) that not only contribute to the company’s growth but also promote environmental sustainability. Here are some examples of these best practices and their impacts:
Diverse Customer Base: We serve over 200 industrial and commercial clients and 25,000-30,000 households, showcasing natural gas’s versatility and expanding our reach.
LMC Partnerships: Our strategy involves collaborating with Local Municipal Corporations (LMCs) to serve an additional 60,000 customers, facilitating market expansion.
Industrial Transformation: We promote cleaner energy adoption in the industrial sector, improving air quality, labor conditions, and business growth, especially in sectors like automotive components.
Stringent Quality: We ensure our industrial products meet high standards, helping businesses upgrade offerings and diversify revenue streams.
Transportation Efficiency: Our CNG initiatives significantly improve vehicle mileage, attracting transporters, reducing costs, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Culinary Advancements: We enhance the culinary sector by transitioning from solid fuels to natural gas, leading to tastier food, cleaner utensils, and a better culinary experience.
Multifaceted Success: Our practices drive economic growth and environmental well-being, aligning with cleaner, more sustainable energy choices.
Q4) Could you explain the environmental advantages of natural gas compared to traditional fuels, and how does this align with THINK Gas’s commitment to sustainability?
THINK Gas proudly implements global best practices in City Gas Distribution (CGD), fostering both growth and environmental sustainability. Examples of these practices include:
Reduced Air Pollution: Natural gas burns cleaner than solid fuels and emits fewer pollutants when used for energy and transportation. This enhances local air quality and community health.
Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), compared to coal and oil. THINK Gas promotes natural gas usage to combat climate change and reduce CO2 emissions.
Efficient Extraction and Transportation: The industry has improved extraction and transportation efficiency while minimizing methane emissions and adopting eco-friendly technologies. THINK Gas adheres to stringent environmental standards to prevent environmental harm.
Commitment to Innovation: Beyond cleaner fuel, THINK Gas invests in R&D for more efficient energy technologies, aligning with sustainability goals. This innovation contributes to ongoing industry sustainability improvements.
Our dedication to these principles exemplifies THINK Gas’s mission, supporting global environmental sustainability while driving industry innovation.
Q5) What challenges and opportunities has THINK Gas experienced while expanding operations across multiple states and districts in India, particularly in areas with limited exposure to clean energy sources?
Expanding operations across multiple states and districts in India, particularly in areas with limited exposure to clean energy sources, has presented THINK Gas with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Here’s an overview of the experiences the company has encountered:
Infrastructure Challenges:
Approval and Procurement: Obtaining timely approvals and materials is crucial to avoid project delays in the competitive gas industry.
Contractor Reliability: Finding dependable contractors meeting quality and safety standards is essential for infrastructure development.
Safety and Compliance: Adhering to safety and regulatory standards is paramount, necessitating continuous monitoring and adherence.
Digital Technology: THINK Gas employs digital tools, such as GIS and SCADA systems, to enhance efficiency and safety during infrastructure projects.
Customer Perception Challenges:
Mindset Shift: Shifting customers from traditional to cleaner fuels requires educational efforts and engagement.
Success Stories: Sharing real-life success stories helps educate and inspire customers to switch to natural gas.
Regulatory and Timeline Challenges:
Approvals and Delays: Navigating regulatory bodies and obtaining approvals can lead to project delays, affecting operational reliability.
ESG Prioritization:
ESG Principles: THINK Gas prioritizes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, ensuring worker well-being, technological integration, and top-tier customer support.
Digitalization: Digital tools improve productivity and customer service, ensuring a seamless experience for natural gas users.
Customer Support: With a 24/7 Emergency Service Center, THINK Gas demonstrates commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.
Q6) How does THINK Gas ensure the safety of customers and employees in the gas distribution industry, and how does technology play a role in maintaining high safety standards?
Safety is our top priority at THINK Gas, ingrained in every aspect of our operations. Our commitment to safety is driven by technology and includes:
Pipeline Construction: We rigorously control material quality, supervise welding with third-party experts, and conduct x-ray evaluations for structural integrity.
Vehicle Safety: Our delivery vehicles feature advanced safety technology and 24/7 monitoring for prompt issue response. Strict driver policies ensure sobriety and alertness.
Adherence to SOPs: We implement and audit standard operating procedures rigorously to ensure no compromise on safety.
CNG Stations: Constant CCTV surveillance, safety measures during cylinder filling, and compliance tests ensure safe operations.
Passenger Safety: We advise passengers to exit during CNG filling, providing dedicated areas for their comfort.
Industrial & Commercial Sectors: Effective communication and training ensure safe gas usage, and household customers receive specialized training.
Flexibility & Communication: Prepaid meters offer customer flexibility, and continuous communication promotes safe gas usage.
Education & Trust Building: We educate customers about natural gas benefits, aiming to be a reliable partner in cleaner and safer energy choices.
